Hair highlighting application tool

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an application tool ( 1 ) and methods to use the same. The application tool ( 1 ) comprises two plates ( 22 ), connected together. At least one of said two plates ( 22 ) comprises a fluid control zone ( 50 ), which run along the perimeter edge ( 30 ) of said at least one plate ( 22 ), a displacement zone ( 60 ), which at least partially separate said fluid control zone ( 50 ) from a containment zone ( 70 ). A hair treatment composition may be loaded in the containment zone ( 70 ) Application of hair treatment compositions through the application tool ( 1 ) according to the invention allows for a precise, non-messy and clean targeting of the hair treatment composition on a hair strand and it is especially useful for highlighting and dyeing compositions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an application tool which allows for quick, easy, precise and non-messy targeted application of cosmetic compositions to various substrates, such as hair, skin, finger nails and fabric. The application tool according to the invention is especially intended for hair treatment compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To accommodate the change in fashion and style and to provide a less drastic masking of the first grey hair than a full head dyeing event, more and more consumers have the desire to highlight their hair.

Although under the term highlighting it is understood to be the selection of hair strands which are lightened at least one shade lighter that the rest of the hair, the results expected by consumers are quite various, from subtle multi-tonal effects and natural colour variations to more bold and daring effects. To achieve personal customization of the end-look the consumer can choose to perform highlighting by employing home highlighting kits or may visit a professional stylist.

Professionals have a number of devices and techniques at their disposal which together with training and years of experience allow the variety of results expected by the consumers to be delivered. However, due to the accuracy and length of the process, the consumer is required to regularly spend a number of hours at the salon in order to complete the process. Because of the long time and effort employed by the professionals to achieve the expected end results, a high premium is also demanded by the professional stylists for their services.

The home highlighting product market is vast, financially accessible to consumers and offers various products to deliver practically any desired lift of the hair.

However, a number of drawbacks are associated with using home hair highlighting treatments without assistance of a professional. The application of highlighting compositions at the back of the head is difficult to achieve; the selection of the strands requires the user to maintain the arms over the head creating discomfort and tiredness affecting the overall results. Indeed even when the highlighting compositions are applied through an applicator, the use of such an applicator may require considerable practice, patience and experience in order to achieve at least a satisfactory result. These drawbacks are further amplified by the unpleasant nature of highlighting compositions, which can cause bleaching if dripped onto the consumer's home surfaces, skin and clothes.

Some attempts to solve these problems have been contemplated in the art. WO 93/10687 has proposed a highlighting preparation comprising a highlighting agent held by a lining material mounted on a pliable substrate such as an aluminium foil. Once the highlighting agent is activated by addition of hydrogen peroxide, the pliable substrate is folded over a hair strand and the highlighting composition is delivered. U.S. 2003/0024544 discloses a device for applying a dye product to sections of hair, said device comprising a cavity, which can be provided of a fibrous or porous material, and a retention member. The retention member and the cavity are connected but movable relative to each other so that the retention member fits inside the cavity. The hair strand is trapped between the cavity and the retention member to apply the hair treatment composition. JP 200234636 teaches hair-dyeing tongs comprising a head part and a handle part. The head part is composed of two opposite plates to clamp the hair strand. The plates have teeth for dividing and arranging the hair, orifices where the hair treatment composition comes out and sponges, whilst the handle part has a storing compartment for the dyeing composition. Channels run inside the tong from the storing compartment to the plates. JP 2003310337 discloses a hair dyeing utensil comprising a tweezer-shaped tool having at the top end parts absorbent pads which are in fluid communication with small containers mounted on the arms of tweezers-like tool. When pressure is applied on the side of the tweezers over the small containers, the hair dyeing composition is released and absorbed by the pads at the top ends. GB 2242357 discloses a device comprising two hinged plates covered by an absorbent material impregnated with the hair treatment composition and a closing means. Once a tuft of hair is selected, the plates are closed by the closing means over the hair and left in place. This application device works as a replacement for foils, which are used by stylists in professional salons. JP 2003199623 discloses a sheet brush which can be folded over the hair strands to apply hair treatment composition onto hair strands. The sheet brush is provided with teeth protruding out from the base of the sheet, which can be covered by non-woven fabric. EP 1433399 discloses a device comprising an applicator portion and a fastening mean. The applicator portion comprises a compressible container where the hair treatment composition is lodged. The user positions a hair strand between one finger and the container. Upon application of pressure on the compressible container, the composition contained therein is released on the hair strand. JP 1999178639 discloses a hair cosmetic applicator characterized by two hinged plates, each of these plates has a fitting means on the external surface and a bag comprising a hair treatment composition attached on the internal surface. Each bag contains a hole from which the composition is released through metering layers by opening and closing the hinged plates.

What still remains unsolved by the art is the provision of a hair treatment application tool to satisfy the home highlighting consumers' needs in terms of avoiding the bleeding of the highlight composition from the application tool, applying the highlighting composition homogenously over the entire length of the hair strands and easiness to use with one hand, to pick up, grip, hold and lay down. Moreover, the application tool should be easy to guide particularly at the root line and to perform several applications irrespective of the hair length. The application tool must also provide flexibility for creating a high variety of highlights, for inventing new fashions, for shortening the time and costs and for simplifying the highlight performances. Finally, the application tool must be doubtless light, cheap, disposable or recyclable and easy to produce.

It has now been found that an application tool (as defined herein after) can significantly improve the highlighting results at home as well as at professional salons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, an application tool (1) for hair treatment compositions is provided, comprising a first plate (10) and a second plate (20) positionable in a juxtaposed relationship with said first plate when said application tool is in a closed state, each of said plates comprising an internal (101; 201) and an external surface (102; 202); said first (10) and second (20) plates have each a perimeter edge (30) characterized in that the internal surface of at least one plate comprises

-   -   a. a fluid control zone (50), comprising a material which         extends along at least a portion of said perimeter edge of said         at least one plate;     -   b. a displacement zone (60); and     -   c. a containment zone (70), for receiving a hair treatment         composition;         wherein said fluid control zone (50) and said containment zone         (70) are at least partially separated from one another by said         displacement zone (60).

Said fluid control zone (50) comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a non-porous compressible material, an absorbent material, at least one bristle, at least one tine and combination thereof.

The present invention further relates to methods using said application tool (1) and kit-of-parts comprising the application tool (1) disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention comprising first (10) and second (20) plates, connected via a hinge (90); one plate (10) being the mirror image of the other (20). Each of said first and second plate (10; 20) comprises an internal (101; 201) and an external (102; 202) surface.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of one plate (10) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, displaying the arrangement of the fluid control zone (50), which runs along the perimeter edge (30) of said one plate (10), of the displacement zone (60) and containment zone (70).

FIG. 3 a is a cross sectional view of one plate (10) of an embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention, wherein the fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material or a non-porous compressible material and the containment zone comprises tines or bristles (71). FIGS. 3 b and 3 c show a top view of the plate (10) of FIG. 3 a, wherein the tines or bristles (71) are organized in two different possible configurations within the containment zone.

FIG. 4 a is a top view of one plate of an embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention, wherein the fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material or a non-porous compressible material and the containment zone (70) is an area, which has a visible difference from the displacement zone (60). The non-coloured or non-shaded region of the plate (10) is the displacement zone (60). FIG. 4 b is a cross sectional view of the plate (10) shown in FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of one plate (10) of an embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention, wherein said fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material or a non-porous compressible material and wherein said containment zone (70) is a groove in said at least one plate (10).

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are cross sectional views of one plate (10) of two embodiments of the application tool (1) according to the invention, wherein said fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material or a non-porous compressible material and wherein said containment zone (70) is a cavity of one plate (10). The displacement zone (60) partially separate the containment zone (70) from the fluid control zone (50) in FIG. 6 a whilst in FIG. 6 b, the displacement zone (60) entirely separate the containment zone (70) from the fluid control zone (50).

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention wherein one plate (10) comprises a reservoir (80) adapted on the external surface (102) of one plate (10). The reservoir (80) is provided with a valve (81) to load a hair treatment composition into said reservoir (80), wherein said reservoir (80) is in communication with the containment zone (70) through apertures (82) present on the plate (10).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an application tool (1) according to the invention. The first plate (10) and the second plate (20) are mirror images. The displacement zone (60) entirely separates the containment zone (70) from the fluid control zone (50). Both the containment zone (70) and the fluid control zone (50) comprise an absorbent material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been surprisingly found that the application tool (1) described herein allows to solve the above mentioned technical problem. The selection of two connected plates (10; 20) allows the user to guide the application tool (1), with the use of either hand, precisely and easily also to difficultly accessible sectors such as at the back of the head or at the root of the hair close to the scalp. The fluid control zone (50), which extends along the perimeter edge (30) of the internal surface (101; 201) of at least one plate (10; 20), provides the application tool (1) with an excellent means to prevent bleeding of the hair treatment composition from the application tool (1) and helps to reduce excessive deposition of hair treatment composition during application onto the hair. The containment zone (70) is the zone where the hair treatment composition is applied and jointly with the displacement zone (60) allows the delivery of a hair treatment composition to the selected hair strand in a homogeneous and clean fashion.

For the purpose of this invention, the term hair refers to both living hair i.e. on a living body and to non-living hair i.e. in a wig, hairpiece or other aggregation of non-living keratinous fibre. Mammalian, preferably human hair is intended. However, wool, fur and other keratinous fibre may be suitable to be used with the application tool according to the invention.

The term hair strand, for the purpose of this invention, refers to at least two keratinous fibres, especially hair, in particular human hair and it should be construed as hair bundle.

As used herein, the term “applied” when referring to a hair treatment composition is to encompass coated, loaded, absorbed, adsorbed and adhered.

While the specification concludes with claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description.

1. Plates

The application tool (1) of the present invention comprises a first (10) and a second (20) plate; both plates (10; 20) are of ergonomic size and can thus fit easily on either hand. The shape of the plates may vary. Rectangular, square, circular elliptical or oblong shapes may be useful as they are easy to manufacture but other shapes, particularly those that are easily recognised by the consumers may be used. It is unimportant which plate is designated as a first plate and which is designated as a second plate. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each plate (10; 20) comprises an internal (101; 201) and external surface (102; 202). The internal surface (101; 201) of at least one plate (10; 20), preferably both plates, comprises a fluid control zone (50), a displacement zone (60) and a containment zone (70) as described hereinafter.

Each plate may be independently flat or curved. Each plate may have a cavity or a groove and said cavity or grove may be independently located on the internal (101; 201) or external (102; 202) surface of each plate (10; 20). Each plate may be of the same or different size and shape. Preferably, the first plate is the mirror image of the second plate (10; 20) for easy manufacture as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8.

Each plate may have a surface area of from 0.5 cm² to 100.00 cm², preferably from 0.70 cm² to 75.00 cm², more preferably from 1.00 cm² to 50.00 cm².

Each plate may be independently manufactured from any known material or combination of materials capable of supporting a hair treatment composition. Suitable materials are polymer resins such as a polyolefin e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. Other polymers which could be used include polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone or thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers where appropriate; flexible pliable substrates such as paper boards, metal based substrates and aluminium foils, filmic substrates or multiple laminations or combinations of multiple layers of said materials.

The method of manufacture of the plates may include, but is not limited to, injection moulding, co-injection moulding, over moulding, in-mold assembly, compression moulding, blow moulding, thermo or vacuum forming of a blister type shell and lamination onto a carrier plastic or board material in the horizontal or vertical plane.

2. Plates Connection

The selection of two connected plates improves the user's perception of control over the application tool (1) and allows the user to guide the application tool (1), with the use of either hand, precisely and easily and also allows access to troublesome sections such as the back of the head or the root of the hair close to the scalp. In addition, the plates' connection allows the user to move the application tool (1) from one hair strand to another without having to adjust the position of one plate (10) onto the other (20) after each application.

The connection between the plates (10; 20) according to the present invention allows the application tool (1) to be in a closed state or in an open state. When the application tool (1) is in a closed state, said first plate (10) is in juxtaposed relationship to said second plate (20), whereas when the application tool (1) is in an open state said first plate (10) is distant from the said second plate (20). When the application tool is in an open state, the angle between said internal surfaces (101; 201) of said first and second plates (10; 20) may range between 5° and 360°, preferably between 30° and 185°, more preferably at least 50°. The connection between said first (10) and second (20) plates is preferably of resilient nature. In certain embodiments the application tool (1) may be in an open state and said first (10) and second plates (20) may be brought together into a juxtaposed relationship by applying pressure on their external surfaces (102; 202). In certain embodiments the application tool (1) may be in a closed state and pressure has to be applied on to the connection to distance the internal surfaces (101; 201) of the first (10) and the second plate (20). In certain other embodiments, the application tool (1) is in a closed state and each plate is provided with fastening means where the thumb and index finger may be positioned to assist the separation of the first and second plates (10, 20). Independently from their initial orientation, both the first (10) and the second (20) plates, by pivoting about the connection, may re-establish their initial orientation by springing back. The characteristics of the connection may be an intrinsic property of the material used to manufacture the connection or may be provided by the design of the connection itself. The connection should not break or get damaged so as to affect utility within a few applications. The connection should not be too resistant to the applied pressure by the user, otherwise the user's hand and fingers may ache during repetitive use. On the other end, the connection should not be too loose or else there is no perception of guidance over the application tool (1). The spring back property should be effective otherwise said plates (10; 20) may remain always either in a juxtaposed relationship or distant. However, the spring back should not occur uncontrollably and unexpectedly as it may otherwise cause tearing of the material comprised in said fluid control (50) and containment zones (70), or may injure the user's hand and fingers or may displace inadvertently the hair treatment composition from the application tool (1). The present inventors have surprisingly found that the connection should work with applicable pressures ranging from 0.01 N/cm² to 30.0 N/cm², more preferably from 0.01 N/cm² to 15.0 N/cm², even more preferably from 0.01 N/cm² to 10.0 N/cm² and that the connection should have a spring back pressure to open ranging from 0.01 N/cm² to 30.0 N/cm², more preferably from 0.01 N/cm² to 15.0 N/cm² and even more preferably from 0.01 N/cm² to 10.0 N/cm².

The first (10) and the second (20) plates are connected via any suitable means that fulfils the above described requirements, including the user's hand through the thumb and the index finger; preferably, said first (10) and second (20) plates are connected via a hinge (90). The hinge (90) can be formed in a number of ways including: a “live” injection moulded hinge, a co-injected hinge, an over moulded hinge, in-mold assembly, a leaf spring or any other appropriate spring assembly, a strap hinge, a fold formed by a kiss-cut, score or crease.

In certain embodiments both the first (10) and the second (20) plates have a female part of the hinge (90) incorporated in their design. The female part of the hinge (90) is created during the manufacture process for the first and second plate (10; 20), for example during the injection moulding process. A pin is designed to fit both female parts of the hinge (90) created on the first (10) and second plates (20). The pin, preferably of rectangular shape is manufactured from a polymer resin such as polyolefin, preferably polypropylene. The pin is assembled into the female parts of the plates (10; 20) to create the hinge (90).

In certain embodiments, both the first (10) and second (20) plates may be manufactured within the same injection mould for example from polypropylene. A living hinge (90) also made from polypropylene may be created between the first (10) and the second (20) plate. Polypropylene may be used to provide a living hinge that can be flexed multiple times without breakage. The living hinge is typically closed during the de-moulding process.

In certain embodiments, both the first (10) and second (20) plates may be manufactured within the same injection mould for example from polypropylene and a hinge (90) can be created by co-injection, in-mold assembly or over-moulding of a thermo plastic elastomer or a thermo plastic vulcanate or any other material that can be used to provide a hinge (90) with the properties listed above.

3. Zones

The fluid control zone (50) runs along the perimeter edge (30) of the internal surface (101; 201) of at least one plate (10). The fluid control zone provides the application tool (1) with an excellent measure to avoid messiness during the application of a hair treatment composition, preventing the formation of blobbing which results in the deposition of an excessive amount of hair treatment composition onto the hair, especially close to the roots. Such blobs of hair treatment composition may also bleed across other hair strands causing unacceptable and unsightly treatment in neighbouring strands or ooze outside the application tool (1).

The fluid control zone (50) may have a length of from about 1.00 cm to about 80.00 cm, preferably from about 3.00 cm to about 50.00 cm and more preferably from about 6.00 cm to about 30.00 cm. The fluid control zone (50) may be of constant or variable width. The fluid control zone may be continuous or discontinuous; by continuous it is meant that the material present in the fluid control zone (50) does not form loci or islets or it is not interrupted or stopped by the displacement zone (60). Preferably the fluid control zone (50) of at least one plate (10), more preferably of both plates (10; 20) is continuous as shown FIG. 8. When the fluid control zone (50) is continuous, said fluid control zone (50) has a width of from about 0.05 cm to about 4.00 cm, preferably from about 0.10 cm to about 3.00 cm, more preferably from about 0.50 cm to about 2.50 cm. When the fluid control zone (50) is discontinuous said fluid control zone (50) has a width of from about 0.00 cm to about 4.00 cm, preferably from about 0.00 cm to about 3.00 cm, more preferably from about 0.00 cm to about 2.50 cm, wherein the fluid control zone (50) has a width of about 0.00 cm where the fluid control zone (50) is absent. When the fluid control zone (50) is discontinuous, at least some portion has a width of at least 0.05 cm, preferably at least 0.10 cm, more preferably at least 0.50 cm.

In some embodiments one or both plates' surfaces may extend beyond the fluid control zone (50) to accommodate additional features as described later below.

The fluid control zone (50) is at least partially separated from the containment zone (70) by the displacement zone (60). By partially separated is meant that at least one portion of the displacement zone (60) separates the fluid control zone (50) from the containment zone (70). By separation is meant that there is a void volume of displacement zone (60) between the fluid control zone (50) and the containment zone (70) when the plates (10; 20) are into juxtaposed relationship. Preferably, the fluid control zone (50) is entirely separated from the containment zone (70) by the displacement zone (60). The displacement zone (60) allows the hair treatment composition to be displaced from the containment zone (70) to the fluid control zone (50) when the plates (10; 20) are brought into juxtaposed relationship.

The displacement zone (60) may be of constant or variable width. The displacement zone (60) may have a width of from about 0.05 cm to about 4.00 cm, preferably from about 0.10 cm to about 3.00 cm, more preferably from about 0.3 cm to about 2.50 cm. When the fluid control zone (50) is only partially separated from the containment zone (70), at least a portion of the displacement zone (60) has a width of at least 0.05 cm, preferably at least 0.10 cm, more preferably at least 0.30 cm.

When the application tool (1) is in the closed state and the plates (10; 20) are in a juxtaposed relationship, the hair treatment composition is forced to move from the containment zone (70) to the displacement zone (60) toward the fluid control zone (50). Given the presence of the fluid control zone (50) and of the displacement zone (60), the hair treatment composition does not leak or ooze beyond the perimeter edge (30) of the plates (10; 20) but stays within the application tool (1).

Without being bound by theory, it has been found that by having a displacement zone (60) at least partially separating, preferably entirely separating the containment zone (70) from the fluid control zone (50), the containment zone (70) may hold a volume of fluid (Vf) that is less than or equal to the volume (Vt) that is comprised between the internal surfaces (101; 201) of both the first and second plates (10; 20) when the application tool (1) is in a closed state. In the preferred embodiment, the ratio of Vf to Vt is from about 0.5 to about 1.0, preferably from about 0.7 to about 1.0, more preferably from about 0.80 to about 1.0 and even more preferably from about 0.9 to about 1.0. This specifically allows the delivery of sufficient hair treatment composition to perform the desired treatment.

The fluid control zone (50) may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of an absorbent material, a non-porous compressible material, at least one bristle, at least one tine, an impervious membrane or combination thereof.

Suitable absorbent materials for use in the present invention may be selected from non-wovens; wovens; porous foams and foam materials; porous plastics; flexible frits; meshes; sponges and combinations thereof including recycled and composite materials having one or more plies of the same or different materials superimposed physically, joined together continuously (laminated), in a discontinuous pattern, or by bonding the external edges at discrete loci provided that the structures meet the functional requirements described hereinabove.

The absorbent materials of the present invention may be selected from non-wovens and/or porous foams. Non-woven materials are produced from fibres that may be staple or continuous filaments or be formed in situ and include a manufactured sheet, web or batt or directionally or randomly oriented fibres, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion. Nonwoven webs and processes for making them may comprise three steps: fiber laying, precursor web formation, and fiber bonding. The fibre laying step may be comprised of the spunlaying, meltblowing, carding, airlaying, wetlaying and combinations thereof, of the fibres comprising the web onto a forming surface. The step of precursor web formation may prevent the fibres comprising the web from coming apart during the bonding step. Precursor web formation may be performed via a pre-bonding step, such as one that is chemical or mechanical in nature. The bonding step may then impart strength to the finished web. The bonding step may be comprised of subjecting the fibres comprising the web to hydroentanglement (HET), cold calendering, hot calendering, air through bonding, chemical bonding, needle punching, and combinations thereof. Suitable non-woven materials may be comprised of natural or synthetic fibres selected from acetate fibres; acrylic fibres; cellulose ester fibres; modacrylic fibres; polyamide fibres; polyester fibres; polyolefin fibres; polyvinyl alcohol fibres; rayon fibres; keratin fibres; cellulose fibres; silk fibres and combinations thereof. The non-wovens may be comprised of mono-component fibres, such as a polyolefin or polyester, or bi-component fibres, such as a sheath/core fibre or side by side fibre of polyethylene/polypropylene or polyethylene/polyester, or bi-constituent fibres comprised by a blend of two or more thermoplastic polymers.

Porous foams and foam materials are made from low density elastomers, plastics, and other materials with various porosities and may be selected from open cellular foams; flexible foams; rigid foams; and reticular foams and syntactic foams which can be fabricated into finished shapes using molding, casting, extrusion, pultrusion, machining, thermal forming, plastic welding, blow molding, rapid prototyping techniques, grinding and/or other specialized processes. The porous foams and foam materials may be composed of a variety of chemical systems including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene; acrylics; epoxy resins; fluoropolymers; isoprene-styrene and styrene-butadiene-styrene; synthetic rubbers or elastomers based on a variety of systems such as silicone, polyurethane and neoprene; nitrile rubbers; plastics or elastomers formed from natural or plant-based raw materials such as natural rubber (polyisoprene) or vulcanized fibre; water-based and water-borne resins and latex materials. Chemical systems for porous foams and foam materials may include ethylene copolymer, expanded polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyetherimide, polyimide, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane, phenolic, polyurea, and vinyl.

Porous plastics can be made from wide variety of materials including polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyldifluoride. They are created by filling a mold with tiny plastic pellets, subjecting the mold to heat and pressure so the pellets bond where they touch. This part is then heated outside the mold; the part shrinks significantly during this step which strengthens it.

The porous foams are preferably polyurethane foams. Suitable examples of porous foams are available from Recticel International (Belgium).

The fluid control zone (50) may comprise a non-porous compressible material. Useful non-porous compressible material comprises materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene or silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Suitable thermoplastic materials include polyolefins (including polyethylenes, such as high density polyethylene and polypropylene), polyvinylidene chloride, and polystyrene. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubbers such as Santoprene® sold by Monsanto, Inc. of St. Louis, Mo.; halogenated polyolefins such as Alcryn sold by DuPont Polymer Products of Wilmington, Del.; hydrogenated adduct of a styrene-butadiene block copolymer with maleic anhydride, such as Craton sold by Shell Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.; SEBS (sequenced styrene-ethylene-butadiene) polymers. Other polymers could be used including polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, Ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate and polystyrene, or electro-static flocking or sealed non-woven or foam structures.

The fluid control zone (50) may comprise at least one bristle. Suitable materials for a bristle are synthetic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Other polymers could be used including polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or copolymers or electro-static flocking or open non-woven or foam structures or natural sources such as Horse Hair. The wire form of the bristles or brushes may be straight, curved or crimped to achieve the required performance.

The fluid control zone (50) may comprise at least one tine. Suitable material include polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Other polymers could be used including polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or copolymers or electro-static flocking or open non-woven or foam structures.

The fluid control zone (50) may comprise an impervious membrane. Suitable materials include polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Other polymers could be used including polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or copolymers or electro-static flocking or sealed non-woven or foam structures.

The materials comprised in the fluid control zone (50) can be manufactured in a number on ways including: co-injected, over moulding, in-mold assembly, adhesion lamination, heat bonding and may be removable or permanently attached to fluid control zone. Any methods suitable to attach the material to the fluid control zone (50) to the application tool (1) may be employed herein providing that said method does not destroy or alter the performance of said material. Useful methods are, but not limited to, heat welding including pressure, ultrasonic forces, radio or high frequencies, co-extruded heat activated adhesives, electro static adhesions such as flocking by fibres. The material comprised in the fluid control zone (50) and in the containment zone (70) may also be attached to the application tool (1) through adhesive, including two-side tape, thermo-set, hot melt and cold seal, adhesion or extrusion lamination. Mechanical interlock or entanglement such as Velcro®, clamping, snap locks, sealing beads, locking pins and magnetism may also be used to adhere the material to the application tool (1).

The materials described above for the fluid control zone (50) and the methods to attach said material to the internal surface (101, 201) of said at least one plate (10) may be employed also for the containment zone (70). In addition, the containment zone (70) may also be an area of said internal surface (101; 201) of said at least one plate (10) having visual and/or tactile differences, such as a coloured or shaded area, an area with pattern or marking or an embossed area. The containment zone (70) may further be a groove in said at least one plate (10) or it may be a cavity of said at least one plate (10).

In one preferred embodiment of the application tool (1) according to the invention, the fluid control zone (50) of at least one plate (10) comprises a non-porous compressible material. Preferably, when the fluid control zone (50) comprises a non-porous compressible material, said fluid control zone is continuous. When the fluid control zone (50) comprises a non-porous compressible material, the containment zone comprises preferably an absorbent material as shown in FIG. 1; or said containment zone (70) of said at least one plate (10) is an area of the internal surface (101; 201) having visible or tactile differences such as a coloured or shaded area, in area with a pattern or markings or an embossed area as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. In certain other embodiments said containment zone (70) is a groove in said at least one plate (10) as shown in FIG. 5. In some other embodiments, said containment zone (70) of said at least one plate (10) is a cavity of said at least one plate as shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b.

In one embodiment of the application tool (1) of the present invention the fluid control zone (50) and the containment zone (70) of said first (10) and second (20) plates both comprise an absorbent material as shown in FIG. 8. In another embodiment, the application tool (1) has said fluid control zone (50) of one plate (10) comprising a non-porous compressible material and a containment zone (70) comprising tines (71). In certain other embodiments the containment zone (70) of one plate comprises tines (71) and the fluid control zone (50) comprises an absorbent material. In certain embodiments, the distribution of tines and bristles in the fluid control zone (50) and containment zone (70) may vary. The tines of the containment zone (70) may be randomly distributed as shown in FIG. 3 c. Combinations of these elements are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention so as to have i.e. a containment zone (70) which is as a groove in said at least one plate (10) and tines or bristles may be distributed as shown in FIG. 3 b around said groove.

Within the scope of the present invention are also included embodiments of the application tool (1) comprising combination of said first (10) and second (20) plate having different materials in said fluid control (50) and containment (70) zones. Not only the materials may be different but also the width, height and length of said zones and continuity of the materials within the zones may be different. In particular, the application tool (1) according to the present invention contemplates combinations which create internal surface (101; 201) of said first and second plates (10; 20) that have configuration of the zones that coincide and fit together. Certain embodiments for instance have a fluid control zone (50) of the first plate (10) comprising a non-porous compressible material and the containment zone (70) comprising an absorbent material, whereas the fluid control zone (50) of the second plate (20) comprises a non-porous compressible material and the containment zone (70) is an area of different appearance of said internal surface (101) of said at least one plate (10) such that the absorbent substrate comprised in the containment zone (70) of the first plate (10) would easily fit within the containment zone (70) area of the second plate (20).

4. Additional Features

4.1 Reservoirs

The application tool (1) may further comprise a reservoir (80) for a hair treatment composition, wherein said reservoir (80) communicates with said fluid control zone (50), displacement zone (60) and/or containment zone (70). The reservoir (80) may be present on the external surface (102; 202) or internal surface (101, 201) of one or both plates. Preferably, the reservoir (80) communicates with said zones (50; 60; 70) in the internal surface (101; 201) through apertures (82) located through said plates (10; 20). One non limiting example is shown in FIG. 7, wherein both plates (10; 20) comprise an absorbent material in the fluid control zones (50) and in the containment zones (70) and a reservoir located on the external surface (102) of the first plate (10) and apertures (82) through said first plate (10) set in communication the reservoir (80) with the absorbent material comprised in the containment zone (70). In this particular embodiment a valve (81) is located on the reservoir (80). In some embodiments, a one-way or a two-way valve (81) may be incorporated into the plates (10; 20) and/or in the reservoir (80) to allow loading of the hair treatment composition by engagement of a bottle, tube, syringe, bag, sachet or any container suitable for dispensing the hair treatment composition such as a nozzle, a syringe, an actuator or similar dispensing devices. The reservoir (80) may be fixed, attachable or removable from the plates (10; 20) and may be disposed of once the hair treatment compositions have been released.

The reservoir (80) comprises materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. The reservoir can be formed in a number of ways including: co-injected, over moulding, in-mold assembly, vacuum forming, casting, adhesion lamination, or heat bonding of a laminate material.

The apertures (82) may be covered by metering layers, barriers materials or liners removable via peeling, rupturing, puncturing, breaking, tearing, piercing, sliding, folding, and compression. The release liner or barrier may be peelable and/or resealable and may be constructed from a plastic, aluminium laminate constructions. Some examples of these materials include: laminates of low density polyethylene or blends of polyethylene with poly-isobutylene with aluminium foil and polyethylene terephthalate or bi-orientated polypropylene peel-able foils and may be made of a gas resistant material, especially for hair treatment composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, including aluminium laminated foil, metalised aluminium onto a plastic carrier, Aclar® polychloro-trifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, silica and aluminium oxides.

4.2 Stop Mechanism

A stop mechanism may be incorporated onto at least one of the internal surfaces (101; 201) of said first and second plate (10; 20). The stop mechanism ensures that the hair treatment composition may not be forced beyond the perimeter edge (30) of said plates (10; 20) and may act in collaboration with the fluid control zone (50). In certain embodiments, the application tool (1) is brought into a closed state by applying pressure on the external surfaces (102; 202) of the plates (10; 20). When a too high pressure in moving the plates (10; 20) into a juxtaposed relationship is exerted, the hair treatment composition may bleed or it may form blobs leading to unacceptable mess. Too high pressure may even cause damage of the material comprised in the zones (50; 70) affecting the application of the hair treatment composition to the hair strand.

In certain embodiments, the stop mechanism may be manufactured during the same manufacturing step as the plates and with the same or different material.

The presence, size and height of the stop mechanism are related to the compressibility of the materials used to manufacture the containment zone (70) and the fluid control zone (50). In certain other embodiments the stop mechanism may be one or more tines or it may comprise teeth of a comb-like structure in any of the material described herein before. In certain embodiments the stop mechanism may be positioned within the displacement zone (60) and it may be shorter than the height of the containment zone (70) and/or the fluid control zone (50). In certain other embodiments, the stop mechanism may be incorporated at the perimeter edge (30) of the first (10) and/or second (20) plate or in proximity of the connection on the internal surface (101; 201), preferably the stop mechanism is located on at least one plate (10; 20), when said at least one plate extends beyond the fluid control zone (50). In other embodiments the stop mechanism may be integrated within the fluid control zone (50), the displacement zone and/or the containment zone (50) and or the connection, preferably within the hinge (90).

4.3 Hair Strand Selection Means

Consumers may use their fingers to select the hair strands on which they desire to apply the hair treatment composition. The application tool (1) of the present invention may however be further provided with hair strand selection means. Examples of hair strand selection means are, but not limited to, spikes, hooks, crochets, clips or beads. The hair strand selection means may be incorporated in one or both plates (10; 20). Said means may also be attached through a snap mechanism to the plates (10; 20) such that the hair strand selection means may swing from a position proximal to the plate to a far one, such as it happens with the blades of a penknife. The hair strand selection means may also be separately provided to the application tool (1) of the present invention as a component of a kit-of-parts as described herein below.

4.4 Gripping Areas

Usually consumers wear gloves during the application of the hair treatment composition. The gloves are typically made from materials such as poly vinyl chloride or polyethylene or rubber materials such as isoprene, nyoprene or latex and may increase the difficulty for the consumers to grip the application tool (1). Thus, the application tool (1) disclosed herein may further comprise on the external surfaces (102; 202) of one or both plates (10; 20) gripping areas that are designed to provide grip. These gripping areas may be manufactured using co-injection or over-moulding techniques when the plates are manufactured. Useful materials include, but are not limited to, materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene or silicone or natural and synthetic rubbers, thermo plastic elastomer, thermo plastic vulcanate or copolymers. Other polymers could be used including polyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polycarbonate and polystyrene, or electro-static flocking or sealed non-woven or foam structures. In addition, the gripping areas may be formed through embossing, debossing or coating of the external surfaces (102; 202) of one or both plates (10; 20) or it may be a cavity present on the external surface (102; 202) of said plates (10; 20) The gripping means can be located in only a portion of the external surface (102; 202) or they may cover the whole external surfaces (102; 202).

4.5 Release Liner or Barrier

Release liners or barriers may be present to protect the fluid control zone (50), the displacement zone (60) and/or the containment zone (70) from contamination. The release liner or barrier may be peelable or resealable and may be constructed from a plastic, aluminium laminate constructions. Some examples of these materials include: laminates of low density polyethylene or blends of polyethylene with poly-isobutylene with aluminium foil and polyethylene terephthalate or bi-orientated polypropylene peel-able foils and may be made of a gas resistant material, especially for hair treatment composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, including aluminium laminated foil, metalised aluminium onto a plastic carrier, Aclar® polychloro-trifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, silica and aluminium oxides.

4.6 Means to Perform Loading of the Hair Treatment Composition into the Application Tool

One or more means suitable to attach, adapt or install a dispensing or loading device to perform the loading of the hair treatment composition into the containment zone (70) of the application tool (1) according to the invention may be present. Examples of said means are, but not limited to, nozzles and orifices, pouch pocket or one-way or two-way valves (81) present on at least one plate (10) or through the connection. Said means may be permanently connected to the application tool (1) or may be removable, they may be disposable or recyclable and they may be provided as a separate component of a kit-of-parts as described herein below.

5. Hair Treatment Compositions and Loading Thereof

Accordingly, the application tool (1) may preferably be loaded with hair treatment compositions comprising components known, conventionally used, or otherwise effective for use in oxidative bleaching and or hair coloring. The hair treatment compositions include but are not limited to: developer dye compounds; coupler dye compounds; direct dyes; oxidizing agents; thickeners; chelants; pH modifiers and buffering agents; carbonate ion sources and radical scavenger systems; anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof; anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers, or mixtures thereof; fragrances; dispersing agents; peroxide stabilizing agents; proteins and derivatives thereof, plant materials (e.g. aloe, chamomile and henna extracts); silicones (volatile or non-volatile, modified or non-modified), film-forming agents; ceramides; preserving agents; colour indicators and opacifiers. Some adjuvants referred to above, but not specifically described below, which are suitable are listed in the International Cosmetics Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, (8th ed.; The Cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association). Particularly, vol. 2, sections 3 (Chemical Classes) and 4 (Functions) are useful in identifying specific adjuvants to achieve a particular purpose or multipurpose.

5.1. Solvents

The medium suitable for dyeing or highlighting may be selected from water or a mixture of water and at least one organic solvent to dissolve the compounds that would not typically be sufficiently soluble in water. Suitable organic solvents for use herein include, but are not limited to: C1 to C4 lower alkanols (e.g., ethanol, propanol, isopropanol), aromatic alcohols (e.g. benzyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol); polyols and polyol ethers (e.g., carbitols, 2-butoxyethanol, propylene glycol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, monomethyl ether, hexylene glycol, glycerol, ethoxy glycol), and propylene carbonate. Organic solvents are typically present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 30%, by weight, of the composition. Preferred solvents are water, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, glycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethoxy diglycol, and mixtures thereof.

5.2. Oxidative and Non Oxidative Dye Compounds

The hair treatment compositions which can be used with the application tool (1) according to the invention may include oxidative dye compounds in the form of primary intermediates or couplers. The oxidative dye compounds may be used as free bases or in the form of their physiologically compatible salts with organic or inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, citric, acetic, lactic, succinic, tartaric, or sulfuric acids, or, in so far as they have aromatic hydroxyl groups, in the form of their salts with bases, such as alkali phenolates.

Optional couplers are typically present in an amount such that in aggregate the concentration of couplers and the present discrete particle aggregates and/or agglomerates in the composition ranges from about 0.002% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight, of the hair dyeing composition. Optional primary intermediates are present in an effective dyeing concentration, typically an amount from about 0.001% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight, of the hair dyeing composition. The total amount of dye compounds (e.g., optional primary intermediates, optional coupler compounds, and the present discrete particle aggregates and/or agglomerates) in the hair dyeing compositions of this invention will typically range from about 0.002% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.04% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 7%, by weight, of the hair dyeing composition.

These compounds are well known in the art, and include aromatic diamines, aminophenols, aromaticdiols and their derivatives (a representative but not exhaustive list of oxidation dye precursor can be found in Sagarin, “Cosmetic Science and Technology”, “Interscience, Special Edn. Vol. 2 pages 308 to 310).

The hair treatment compositions may also include non oxidative hair dyes. i.e. direct dyes which may be used alone or in combination with the above described oxidative dyes. Suitable direct dyes include azo- or anthraquinone dyes and nitro derivatives of the benzene series and or melanin precursors and mixtures thereof. Such direct dyes are particularly useful to deliver shade modification or highlights. Particularly preferred are Basic Red 51, Basic Orange 31, Basic Yellow 87 and mixtures thereof.

5.3. Alkalizing Agent

The hair treatment compositions which may be applied to the application tool (1) of the present invention may comprise at least one source of alkalizing agent. Any agent known in the art may be used such as alkanolamides for example monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monopropanolamine, dipropanolamine, tripropanolamine, 2-amino-2-methyl-1, 3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol and guanidium salts, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium carbamate, ammonium hydroxide, percarbonate salts, ammonia, sodium metasilicate, sodium disilicate, sodium silicate, ammonium persulfates, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate and mixtures thereof. The hair treatment compositions may also comprise from about 0.1% to about 40% by weight, preferably from about 1.0% to about 35%, most preferably from about 2% to about 30% of an alkalizing agent, preferably ammonium ions.

5.4. Oxidizing Agent

The hair treatment compositions may comprise an oxidizing agent, present in an amount sufficient to bleach melanin pigment in hair and/or cause formation of dye chromophores from oxidative dye precursors (including developers and/or couplers when present). Typically, such an amount ranges from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 3% to about 15%, more preferably from about 6% to about 12%, by weight, of the developer composition. Inorganic peroxygen materials capable of yielding hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous medium are preferred and include but are not limited to: hydrogen peroxide; inorganic alkali metal peroxides (e.g. sodium periodate and sodium peroxide); organic peroxides (e.g. urea peroxide, melamine peroxide); inorganic perhydrate salt bleaching compounds (e.g. alkali metal salts of perborates, percarbonates, perphosphates, persilicates, ammonium persulfates, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate and mixtures thereof), which may be incorporated as monohydrates, tetrahydrates, etc.; alkali metal bromates; enzymes; and mixtures thereof. Preferred are hydrogen peroxide and persulphates.

The persulfate powders can be immobilized physically via adsorbing the powder particles to the interior and/or exterior surface of the absorbent substrate in such a means that they are physically contained and do not exit the substrate easily under gravity. This can be achieved via a hollow pocket or reservoir within the absorbent substrate that contains the persulfate salt blend. The persufate powder can be loaded to this reservoir by a number of mechanical means including gravity feed, air pressure feed and screw feed. Alternatively, the powder particles can be adhered to the surfaces via an anhydrous solvent or via a thin layer of a material such as polyvinyl alcohol that does not solubilize the salts, the mixture being left to dry on the surface to enable future shelf stability.

5.5. Radical Scavenger System

The compositions may comprise a radical scavenger, in a sufficient amount to reduce damage to the hair during the coloring process. Typically, such an amount will range from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 1% to 7%, by weight of the composition. The radical scavenger is preferably selected such that it is not an identical species as the alkalizing agent. The radical scavenger is a species that can react with a carbonate radical to convert the carbonate radical by a series of fast reactions to a less reactive species. Preferred radical scavengers may be selected from the classes of alkanolamines, amino sugars, amino acids and mixtures thereof, and may include, but are not limited to: monoethanolamine, 3-amino-1-propanol, 4-amino-1-butanol, 5-amino-1-pentanol, 1-amino-2-propanol, 1-amino-2-butanol, 1-amino-2-pentanol, 1-amino-3-pentanol, 1-amino-4-pentanol, 3-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, 1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-ol, 3-aminopropane-1,2-diol, glucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, glycine, arginine, lysine, proline, glutamine, histidine, serine, tryptophan and potassium, sodium and ammonium salts of the above and mixtures thereof. Other preferred radical scavenger compounds include benzylamine, glutamic acid, imidazole, di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene, hydroquinone, catechol and mixtures thereof.

5.6. Chelants

The compositions may comprise chelants in an amount sufficient to reduce the amount of metals available to interact with formulation components, particularly oxidizing agents, more particularly peroxides. Typically such an amount will range from at least about 0.25%, preferably at least about 0.5%, by weight, of the composition. Suitable chelants for use herein include but are not limited to: diamine-N,N′-dipolyacid, monoamine monoamide-N,N′-dipolyacid, and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acid chelants (preferably EDDS (ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid)), carboxylic acids (preferably aminocarboxylic acids), phosphonic acids (preferably aminophosphonic acids) and polyphosphoric acids (in particular straight polyphosphoric acids), their salts and derivatives.

5.7. Humectants

The compositions may comprise humectants. Typically the amount of humectants in the hair treatment composition will range from at least about 1 to about 50%, preferably from about 5 to about 40%, and more preferably from about 10 to about 30%, by weight, of the composition. Suitable humectants for use herein include but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, butylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the humectant is glycerin.

5.8. Thickening Agents

The hair treatment composition may further comprise a thickening agent. The thickening agent is present at a level of from about 0.01% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.5% to about 3%, by weight of the composition.

Suitable thickening agents for use herein include synthetic polymers such as cellulose derivatives (e.g. methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose, etc.), carbomer polymers (e.g. crosslinked polyacrylic acid copolymer or homopolymer and copolymers of acrylic acid cross linked with a polyalkenyl polyether), natural and synthetic gums, karaya gum, guar gum, gelatin, algin, sodium alginate, tragacanth, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylamide polymers, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamines, polyquarternary compounds, ethylene oxide polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cationic polyacrylamide polymers, and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment the thickening agent is selected from carbomers, e.g. the class of homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with an alkyl ether of pentaerythritol or an alkyl ether of sucrose. Carbomers are commercially available from B.F. Goodrich as the Carbopol® series. In one embodiment the carbopols are Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956, and mixtures thereof. Homopolymers of polyacrylic acid are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,053. Other examples of homopolymers which are useful include Ultrez 10, ETD 2050, and 974P polymers, which are available from B.F. Goodrich Company. Such polymers are homopolymers of unsaturated, polymerizable carboxylic monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, maleic anhydride, and the like.

In another embodiment the thickening agent can be an associative thickener or stabilizer, such as a hydrophobically modified alkali soluble acrylic emulsion or a hydrophobically modified nonionic polyol polymer, i.e., a hydrophobically modified urethane polymer, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane polymer or combinations thereof. Associative thickening agents may increase the retention or adhesion of compositions herein and/or integral carriers on the tooth surfaces, may slow the erosion of the compositions once applied on the tooth surfaces, and may improve the release of the compositions from the optional release liner disclosed herein.

Hydrophobically modified polyacrylic acid polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,915,921, 4,421,902, 4,509,949, 4,923,940, 4,996,274, 5,004,598, and 5,349,030. These polymers have a large water-loving hydrophilic portion (the polyacrylic acid portion) and a smaller oil-loving hydrophobic portion (which can be derived from a long carbon chain acrylate ester). Representative higher alkyl acrylic esters are decycl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, behenyl acrylate and melissyl acrylate, and the corresponding methacrylates. It should be understood that more than one carboxylic monomer and more than one acrylate ester or vinyl ester or ether or styrenic can be used in the monomer charge. The polymers can be dispersed in water and neutralized with base to thicken the aqueous composition, form a gel, or emulsify or suspend a deliverable. Useful polymers are sold as Carbopol® 1342 and 1382, and Carbopol® ETD 2020, and Pemuleng TR-1, TR-2, 1621, and 1622, all available from BF Goodrich. The carboxyl containing polymers are prepared from monomers containing at least one activated vinyl group and a carboxyl group, and would include copolymers of polymerizable carboxylic monomers with acrylate esters, acrylamides, alkylated acrylamides, olefins, vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, or styrenics. The carboxyl containing polymers have molecular weights greater than about 500 to as high as several billion, or more, usually greater than about 10,000 to 900,000 or more.

Also useful are interpolymers of hydrophobically modified monomers and steric stabilizing polymeric surface active agents having at least one hydrophilic moiety and at least one hydrophobic moiety or a linear block or random comb configuration or mixtures thereof. Examples of steric stabilizers which can be used are Hypermerl, which is a poly(12-hydroxystearic acid) polymer, available from Imperial Chemical Industries Inc. and Pecosil®, which is a methyl-3-polyethoxypropyl siloxane.-phosphate polymer, available from Phoenix Chemical, Somerville, N.J. These are taught by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,203,877 and 5,349,030.

Other associative thickening agents include Rohm and Haas (such as Acrysol® ICS-1 and Aculyn® 22 and 28 thickeners, which are hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble acrylic polymer emulsions and Aculyn® 44 and 46 thickener, which is a hydrophobically modified nonionic polyol). In one embodiment the associative thickener is Carbopol® and/or Pemulen® polymers. The choice of the specific polymer to be employed will depend upon the desired rheology of the composition, and the identity of other compositional ingredients. Other associative thickeners are discussed in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,764, BF Goodrich. In one embodiment mixtures of hydrophobically modified carbomers with carbomers can be used.

Preferred thickening agents are chosen from polymers (including gelling agents), gel phases referred to as creams or emulsions and combinations thereof.

Suitable polymers may be selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, carboxypolymethylene (Carbomers, Carbopols e.g. Carbopol ETD 2020, all ®), carboxyvinyl Polymers, poloxamers, polyethylene glycol, natural gums (including but not limited to carrageenan, tragacanth, karaya, arabic, guar and xanthan), natural and synthetic smectite clays (including but not limited to hectorites, bentonites and montmorillonites), scleroglucan, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose (commercially available as Aquacote (RTM)), hydroxyethyl cellulose (Natrosol, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel®), hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (Natrosol® Plus 330), N-vinylpyrollidone (Povidone®), Acrylates/Ceteth-20 Itaconate Copolymer (Structure® 3001), hydroxypropyl starch phosphate (Structure® ZEA), polyethoxylated urethanes or polycarbamyl polyglycol ester (e.g. PEG-150/Decyl/SMDI copolymer=Aculyn® 44, PEG-150/Stearyl/SMDI copolymer=Aculyn 46®), trihydroxystearin (Thixcin®) acrylates copolymer (e.g. Aculyn® 33) or hydrophobically modified acrylate copolymers (e.g. Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer=Aculyn® 22).

A representative but not exhaustive list of polymers and thickening agents can be found in “The Encyclopaedia of Polymers and Thickeners for Cosmetics” compiled and edited by Robert Y. Lochhead, Ph.D. and William R. From, Department of Polymer Science, University of Southern Mississippi.

Suitable gel phase referred to as creams or emulsions may be selected from cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, fatty acids and mixtures thereof.

The hair treatment composition may be loaded onto the application tool (1) by any means. The hair treatment compositions are preferably applied into the containment zone (70) but it may also be applied into the displacement (60) and fluid control zones (50). Preferably, at least one hair treatment composition is loaded into the containment zone (70) of at least one plate (10), more preferably both plates (10; 20). In embodiments of the application tool (1) comprising a reservoir (80), at least one hair treatment composition may be loaded onto the reservoir (80). In certain embodiments of the present invention, one hair treatment composition is loaded into one of the zone (50; 60; 70), preferably the containment zone (70), and into the reservoir (80) if present.

The hair treatment composition may be applied for example with a spatula or a syringe, by a squeezable tube, by a dispensing bottle, by a single or dual phase pump, by a single or dual phase piston causing volumetric displacement, by a sachet or by any other suitable dispenser. In embodiments where the application tool (1) is provided of means to perform loading as described above, the loading can be performed by attaching or adapting the application tool (1) itself or parts of the application tool (1) to external loading devices such as squeezable tube, a bottle or a syringe or by any other suitable dispenser as described above. When the hair treatment compositions require mixing and activation prior application to the hair, the single component may be mixed by shaking or stirring before loading or can be mixed during the loading procedure by employing specialized two or multi-chambered containers coupled with a static mixer. The mixing may also be performed by interposing an additional mean capable of mixing two or more hair treatment compositions or capable of mixing powders with water or other solvents to make a hair treatment composition. Said interposed mean can also be provided with features to inject or load the mixed hair treatment compositions onto the application tool (1).

One or more application tools (1) can be loaded at the same time or one subsequently to the others. Multiple or subsequent loading may be accomplished by positioning the application tools according to the invention in a tray or by connecting or attaching the application tools to multi-chambered bottles, tubes or other applicators capable of dispensing either the single or the total amount of the needed hair treatment composition. When a tray is used, said tray comprises at least one compartment where the application tools are positioned or adapted. The tray may further comprise one or more compartments where the hair treatments compositions are loaded and/or stored and which are in communication with the application tool (1), preferably with the containment zone (70). In another embodiment, the hair treatment composition may be loaded into the vacuum formed or blister tray which is sealed by a higher barrier laminate material. These trays may be pre-loaded or consumer-loaded.

The hair treatment compositions may be applied onto the application tool (1) by pressure or by vacuum. The same or different hair treatment compositions can be applied only onto an area or in different areas of the containment zone (70). The hair treatment compositions may be applied during different time periods, one after the other or after application on the hair of a first hair treatment composition.

In embodiments comprising tines in the containment zone (70) the hair treatment composition may be applied in the hollow void area created by the tines as shown in FIG. 3 b or directly over the tines as shown in FIG. 3 c of one plate. The presence and distribution of the tines in the containment zone (70) help the user to identify the volume of hair treatment composition to be applied on the application tool (1). In embodiments where the containment zone (70) is a groove in the plate or a cavity of the plate as shown in FIG. 5, 6 a and 6 b, the hair treatment composition may be loaded into the groove or in the cavity.

Any of the above described method of applying the hair treatment composition onto the application tool (1) can be either performed manually or by mechanically operated machines, especially when the loading is executed during manufacture of the application tool (1). One or more methods may be employed either simultaneously or subsequently one to another.

The amount of hair treatment composition applied on the application tool (1) depends upon the application tool's (1) size and capacity, upon the fluid characteristics of the hair treatment composition and the desired end results. The application tool (1) may be preferably loaded with an amount of hair treatment composition from about 0.5 gram to about 120 grams, more preferably from about 1 gram to about 50 grams, even more preferably from about 1.5 grams to about 25 grams of hair treatment composition.

In one preferred embodiment of the application tool (1) of the invention, wherein said application tool (1) comprises an absorbent material in the containment zone (70) and in the fluid control zone (50) of both plates (10; 20), a first hair treatment composition is loaded in the containment zone (70) of the first plate (10) and a second hair treatment composition is loaded in the containment zone (70) of the second plate (20). Preferably, said first hair treatment composition comprises an oxidizing agent and said second composition comprises an alkalizing agent. More preferably the oxidizing agent of said first hair treatment composition comprises hydrogen peroxide.

The hair treatment composition may be loaded before or after the adhesion of the materials to the fluid control (50) and containment (70) zones to the application tool (1). For those methods that could alter or inactivate the hair treatment composition, the materials are loaded, coated or charged after they have been attached to the application tool (1). Preferably the hair treatment composition is loaded prior to use by the user.

6. Method of Use

The present invention also relates to a method to treat the hair. The application tool (1) according to the present invention may be pre-loaded or consumer self-loaded. Preferably, the application tool (1) is loaded with a hair treatment composition as described herein. The user holds through the external surfaces (102; 202) of said first and second plates (10; 20) the application tool (1) in one hand, preferably between the thumb and the index finger. Once the user has selected the hair strands to be treated, the application tool (1) is positioned onto the hair strands, preferably at the root line while the application tool (1) is in an open state. The hair strand is then clamped between the internal surfaces (101; 201) of the application tool (1) by bringing the plates (10; 20) into a juxtaposed relationship. The user then applies the hair treatment composition by swiping the application tool (1) in a closed state along the entire length of the selected hair strands. The hair treatment composition may also be applied only to limited areas of the hair, i.e. the user can coat only the root-line with the hair treatment composition. These steps, including the step of loading the application tool (1) may be repeated more than once.

The hair treatment composition to be applied with the application tool (1) is selected from the group consisting of styling compositions, hair colourant composition, highlighting composition and combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, a first hair treatment composition is applied to the zones of the internal surface (101) of the first plate (10) and a second hair treatment composition is applied to the zones of the internal surface (201) of the second plate (20). Preferably, the first hair treatment composition is a composition comprising an alkalizing agent, wherein the second hair treatment composition is a composition comprising an oxidizing agent preferably hydrogen peroxide. The plates (10; 20) may be brought into juxtaposed position once, preferably twice, more preferably more than twice, before selecting a hair strand. This is necessary to mix the first and the second hair treatment compositions, particularly when the first and second hair treatment compositions must be mixed to react before being applied onto the hair strand. Mixing of a first composition comprising an alkalizing agent and a second composition comprising an oxidising agent creates a highlighting composition. In certain embodiments, mixing can be obtained by applying a force on the external surface of both plates so that they swing by a certain degree with respect to their fulcrum. By pressing the two plates (10; 20) against each other, displacement of the hair treatment composition from the zone where it is applied to the other zones of the same plate and of the opposite plate is achieved thus, mixing the hair treatment compositions. The mixing step can be performed prior or during application of the hair treatment composition to the hair strand as many times as needed to evenly mix the hair treatment compositions before to proceed with the application on the hair strand.

In another embodiment a first composition is applied to the hair via any of the known conventional methods as a pre- or post-treatment to a second composition and any further composition which can be applied via the application tool (1) according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment a first and a second hair treatment compositions are mixed together to form a third hair treatment composition. Said first and second hair treatment compositions are mixed in a vessel such as a bottle or tray. Once the third hair treatment composition is formed said third hair treatment composition is loaded into the containment zone (70) of a least one plate (10) of said application tool (1). Preferably, said first hair treatment composition comprises an oxidizing agent and said second hair treatment composition comprises an alkalizing agent. More preferably, said oxidizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide and said alkalizing agent comprises a component selected from the group of ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, sodium metasilicate, solidum silicate, ammonium chloride and mixtures thereof.

In the most preferred embodiment of the application tool (1), the fluid control zone (50) and the containment zones (70) of the first (10) and the second (20) plates comprise an absorbent material. A hydrogen peroxide based gel is applied on the absorbent material attached to the first plate, whereas an alkaliser is applied on the absorbent material on the second plate. When the hydrogen peroxide and the alkaliser gels are mixed together they form a highlighting composition.

The application tools (1) according to the present invention are not intended to apply the hair treatment compositions in a stationary manner but rather they are moved against the hair surface with the use of shear forces, i.e., swiping of individual hair strands, rubbing along root-line, rubbing into hair, wiping surface of hair, pulled through hair etc., thereby depositing the hair treatment composition evenly along the entire length of the hair as required.

In embodiments where a liner is present, the user peels off the liner, if necessary loads the application tool (1) and applies the hair treatment composition to the hair. During the application one or more liners can be resealed to protect the application tool (1) and the hair treatment compositions or to avoid contamination of the user's home furniture with the hair treatment composition. In embodiments when the application tool (1) are pre-loaded by the manufactures and then sealed with liners, the user removes the liners before application of the hair treatment compositions. Once the liners have been removed, the user can either proceed to use or apply additional hair treatment compositions by loading them onto the application tool (1) as described above.

In embodiments where a reservoir (80) is present, the user may load the hair treatment composition through any of the dispensing means and then the user may remove liners or barriers before applying the hair treatment composition to the hair. The user may further apply other hair treatment compositions into the zones (50; 60; 70) of the application tool (1). The user may mix the hair treatment compositions before proceeding with the application by pressing the reservoir (80) and pushing the hair treatment composition contained therein to flow to the zones (50; 60; 70) all the way through the apertures (82) located through the plate (10, 20).

Finally, the application of the hair treatment composition may occur on wet or dry hair and optionally, a rinsing or a shampooing step can be included between application of the first and second compositions to the hair.

7. Kit-Of-Parts

At least one application tool (1) according to the present invention may be provided as a component of a kit-of-parts. Alternatively, more than one application tool (1) may be provided as component of the kit-of-parts according to the present invention. Kit-of-parts may comprise at least one or more individually packaged hair treatment compositions comprising shampoo compositions, conditioning compositions, styling compositions, hair colourant compositions, hair bleaching, highlighting compositions or combination thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first container may comprise an oxidative dye precursors and an alkalizing agent whereas a second container may comprise an oxidizing agent. In certain other embodiments of kit-of-parts, a first container may comprise an ammonium ion source and a second container may comprise an oxidizing agent. Additional containers may be present in the kit-of-part, such as individually packaged composition comprising additional components such as oxidising agents, conditioners, chelants, radical scavengers, solvents, direct dyes, shampoo, buffering agents, colouring agents thickeners, enzymes, anionic, non ionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants, carriers, antioxidants, stabilizers, perfumes, masking fragrances, herb and plant extracts, pearlescent, opacifiers, hair swelling agents and/or polymers, humectants, moisturizers, viscosity enhancers, gelling agents, chelators, UV filters, antimicrobials, preservatives, proteins or mixtures thereof.

The kit-of-parts according to the present invention may further comprise additional components such as means to select the hair strands, means to load the application tool (1) according to the present invention, means to mix the hair treatment compositions, combs or brushes, gloves, caps with holes, tweezers, tongues, hooks or combination thereof.

In another embodiment the kit-of-parts further comprises an individually packaged composition comprising an oxidizing agent and an individually packaged composition comprising an alkalizing agent. Preferably said oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. More preferably, at least one of said individually packaged hair treatment composition comprises a persulfate salt.

In certain embodiments, when the materials comprised in the zones are removably attached to the fluid control (50) and containment (70) zones, said materials or replacements thereof may be comprised in the kit-of-parts. The application tool (1) according to the present invention may be provided unassembled in the kit-of-parts and instruction how to build the application tool (10) of the present invention may be further provided in the kit-of-parts described above. The kit-of parts comprising the application tool (1) according to the present invention may further comprise instructions for consumers indicating how to load and/or use the application tools (1), said instruction being recorded in any type of media such as the package of the kit-of-parts itself, paper material, compact disk or the application tool (1) itself.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. An application tool for hair treatment compositions, said application tool comprising a first plate and a second plate positionable in a juxtaposed relationship with said first plate when said application tool is in a closed state, each of said plates comprising an internal and external surface; said first and second plate have each a perimeter edge characterized in that the internal surface of at least one plate comprises: a. a fluid control zone, comprising a material which extends along at least a portion of said perimeter edge of said at least one plate; b. a displacement zone; and c. a containment zone for receiving a hair treatment composition; and wherein said fluid control zone and said containment zone are at least partially separated from one another by said displacement zone.
 2. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said fluid control zone comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a non-porous compressible material, an absorbent material, an impervious membrane, at least one bristle, at least one tine and combination thereof.
 3. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second plates are connected via a hinge.
 4. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said terminal extension of material is continuous.
 5. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said containment zone of said at least one plate comprises an absorbent substrate, a non-porous compressible material, at least one tine, at least one bristle or combination thereof.
 6. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said containment zone of said at least one plate is an area, which has visible or tactile differences from adjacent areas of said internal surface of said at least one plate.
 7. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said containment zone of said at least one plate is a groove formed in said internal surface of at least one plate.
 8. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said containment zone of said at least one plate is a cavity of said at least one plate.
 9. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein each of said fluid control zone and said containment zone of said first and second plates comprise both an absorbent material.
 10. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said application tool further comprises a reservoir for a hair treatment composition, wherein said reservoir is in fluid communication with said containment zone so that said hair treatment composition can be transferred from said reservoir to said containment zone before and/or during use.
 11. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said application tool further comprises a reservoir for a hair treatment composition, wherein said reservoir is in a fluid communication with said displacement zone.
 12. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein said application tool further comprises a reservoir for a hair treatment composition, wherein said reservoir is in fluid communication with both of said displacement zone and said containment zone.
 13. An application tool according to claim 1, wherein one or more hair treatment compositions are loaded on and/or into said application tool.
 14. An application tool according to claim 13, wherein said one or more hair treatment compositions are loaded on and/or into said containment zone.
 15. An application tool according to claim 13, wherein said one or more hair treatment compositions comprise a first and a second hair treatment composition and wherein said first hair treatment composition is loaded into said containment zone of said first plate and said second hair treatment composition is loaded in said containment zone of said second plate.
 16. An applicator tool according to claim 15, wherein said first and second hair treatment compositions are mixed by bringing said first and second plates into juxtaposed relationship at least once.
 17. An applicator tool according to claim 16, wherein said first and second hair treatment compositions are mixed by bringing said first and second plates into juxtaposed relationship more than once.
 18. An application tool according to claim 13, wherein said one or more hair treatment compositions comprise a first and a second hair treatment composition; wherein said first and second hair treatment compositions are mixed together to form a third hair treatment composition and wherein said first and second hair treatment compositions are mixed before being loaded on said application tool.
 19. An application tool according to claim 18, wherein said third hair treatment composition is loaded into said containment zone of said at least one plate.
 20. An application tool according to claim 18, wherein said first hair treatment composition comprises an oxidizing agent and said second hair treatment composition comprises an alkalising agent.
 21. An application tool according to claim 20, wherein said alkalizing agent comprises a persulfate salt.
 22. A method to treat the hair comprising the steps of contacting the hair with said application tool according to claim
 13. 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said application tool is loaded with a hair treatment composition.
 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein the first and said second plates of said application tool are brought into juxtaposed relationship once before contacting the hair with said application tool.
 25. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein the first and said second plates of said application tool are brought into juxtaposed relationship twice before contacting the hair with said application tool.
 26. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein the first and said second plates of said application tool are brought into juxtaposed relationship more than twice before contacting the hair with said application tool.
 27. A method according to claim 23, wherein said application tool is loaded with a hair treatment composition and wherein said hair treatment composition is selected from the group consisting of styling compositions, hair colourant compositions, highlighting compositions and combinations thereof.
 28. A kit-of-parts comprising at least one application tool according to claim
 1. 29. A kit-of-parts according to claim 28, wherein said kit further comprises instruction for consumers indicating how to use said application tool.
 30. A kit-of-parts according to claim 28, wherein said kit further comprises one or more individually packaged hair treatment compositions comprising shampoo compositions, conditioning compositions, styling compositions, hair colourant compositions, hair bleaching compositions, highlighting compositions or combinations thereof.
 31. A kit-of-parts according to claim 28, wherein said kit comprises at least an individually packaged hair treatment composition comprising an oxidizing agent; and an individually packaged hair treatment composition comprising an alkalizing agent.
 32. A kit-of-parts according to claim 31, wherein at least one of said individually packaged hair treatment composition comprises a persulfate salt.
 33. A kit-of-parts according to claim 30, wherein said kit further comprises means to mix and/or to load said individually packaged hair treatment compositions into at least one zone of said application tool.
 34. A kit-of-parts according to claim 30, wherein said kit further comprises instruction for consumers indicating how to load said one or more individually package hair treatment compositions into said application tool and use said application tool. 